The Argosy, June 1904 — page 5: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

TO RENT—FURNISHED. anec, the officer went away, and re- turned in a few minutes with an elderly gentieman of a nervous temperament, who was so perturbed at finding his irascible neighbor handcuffed on huis own premises that his assurances were shehtly incoherent. Mr. Merridew’s identity having been finally established, he was freed from his manacles and assisted to a chal, where he at once assumed the functions of prosecuting attorney, and submitted Mr. Wonderman to a vigorous cross-cx- amination. The two policemen constituted them- selves a bench of judges, the guests grouped themselves as a jury, and adr. Wonderman imereased the resemblance to en peony ys ae of justice by fils his receipt and ¢ 1 carefully pre- served evopy of his advertisement as exhinits. {ce was after a minute description of the gentleman who had leascd the house that Mr. Merridew, with a look of horrified incredulity, held a hurried consultation with the bench, and one of its members was despatched to the telephone. tle returned shortly, to say that the gentleman would be round in ten minutes, and the court took a re- cess and breathlessly awaited develop- ments. “Oh, thank goodness, will be explained now,” cried Mrs. derinan, as a tall, dark seus evening dress, and wearing eveglass, was ushered in. The neweomer, with a surprised look, turned to Mr. Merridew for enlighten- ment, “Worthineton,”’ said that gentleman, “what did vou do with the key of this house which TI asked you to take to the police station?” “Key?” echoed Major Worthington in evident bewilderment. “ Yes, sir, kev,” msisted his interro- gator. “Didn’t you meet me outside the morning | started for Europe, and didn't you help me with my trunk, and didn't I give you the door kev and ask yor to take it to the police station and tell them to look after this house?” “No,” replied Major Worthington. “T dort know what you are talking about.” everything W on- man, im double PRODUCED BY UNZ.ORG 491 Mr. Merridew passed his hand across his brow in a helpless fashion, and looked for assistance to the constables. “ Be careful what you say, my fine feller,” said one of the officers in a ju- dicial tone. “ We know you, and all about you.” | Major Worthington’s only reply was a look of haughty disdain. “his man’s name ain’t Worthinge- ton,” the policeman continued. “ He’s a card sharp and bunco man. We pinched him for a crooked bit of work three. months ago, but we couldn't prove it.” “What the devil do you mean by this insolence?” shouted the incensed major. “Don’t you talk to me Like that, or Tl arrest you,” replied the policeman. “ Jernyngham’s your name, or one of your names. Jou was living at the Trumble House, but a couple of months ago we lost sight of you. Do you give him in charge?” he asked, turning to Mr. Merridew. ‘There was a rustic of expectancy im the tury box. “Give him in charge?” cried Merridew. “ Certainly not. al Worthington has lived in the sanx house on Mansworth Street for tex years. Ife’s a married man with chil- dren.” “Pye known married men with chil- dren——” the policeman was begin- ning when he was interrupted by the entrance of the parlor maid. “The ’sylum’s just rung up, sir,” she said, “to say as there’s no one of the name of Merridew there. There’s a gentleman of the name of Merriman, but he hasn’t escaped. What shall 1 tell them?” ‘Poll them to go to Hades,” re- turned Mr. Merridew violently. “ Yes, sir,’ answered the parlor maid obediently, and vanished with great precipitancy. Major Worthington now peremptori- ly demanding an explanation, a brief outline of the facts so far as known was laid before him, and the court resolved itself into a debating society, the po- licemen abandoning their judicial func- tion and acting as umpires. A resolution was finally carried that 2 JOO Conn S CO ELECTRONIC REPRODUCTION PROHIBITED